Building and Maintaining Authentic Relationships in Eating Disorders and Body Image Therapy
Because healing happens in relationship.
Evidence-based tools matter. So does the relationship we create with the person sitting across from us.
Building and Maintaining Authentic Relationships in Eating Disorders and Body Image Therapy explores the role authentic connection can play in eating disorder treatment and how clinicians can bring evidence-based care, clinical experience, and their own humanity together in the therapy room.
The relationship is part of the work.
Throughout more than two decades working in eating disorder treatment, I have seen again and again that meaningful change is shaped not only by the tools we use, but by how we show up.
This book grew from a desire to explore that idea more deeply: What does it mean to build an authentic therapeutic relationship? How can clinicians balance evidence-based practice with genuine human connection? And how do trust, presence, curiosity, and collaboration create space for healing?
Evidence meets relationships
Explore how evidence-based care, clinical expertise, and authenticity can work together to support the whole person in eating disorder treatment.
Identity, Family & Connection
Consider how identity, intersectionality, weight stigma, and family systems shape the therapeutic relationship and the experience of care.
Navigating the relationship
Examine the moments that test and deepen connection—from relational healing and rupture and repair to endings and transitions.
Who is this book for?
Building and Maintaining Authentic Relationships was written for clinicians who want to deepen not only what they do in the therapy room, but how they show up within it.
Whether you're new to the eating disorder field, have spent years doing this work, provide clinical supervision, or are simply interested in the role relationships play in healing, I hope this book offers something you can carry into your own work.
praise for the book
“An indispensable resource for anyone working in eating disorder treatment.”
— Kate Craigen, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
“A truly necessary book on the power of authenticity in eating disorder care.”
— Greta Gleisner, LCSW, Author and Founder of Eating Disorder Recovery Specialists
“This book is a must-read for clinicians, seasoned and new to the field alike.”
— Elissa Chakoff Martinez, PhD, LMFT
If Building and Maintaining Authentic Relationships resonated with you or offered something meaningful to your work, I’d be so appreciative if you took a moment to share your experience on Amazon.
Your review can help other providers, educators, and students discover the book and learn more about the role authentic relationships can play in eating disorder and body image treatment.
Whether you share what stayed with you, what you’ve brought into your own work, or who you think could benefit from reading it, your perspective is deeply appreciated.
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Thank you for reading and for helping these conversations reach more people.